Wood Duck Craze

Male Wood Duck
by: Larry Burdick

With my recent arrival at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary as the Avian Care Intern, I have been able to learn about the amazing birds that call the Sanctuary home. Among much of the information I have acquired in the past two weeks, I have become charmed by the Wood Ducks. Both male and female Wood Ducks can be seen flying, swimming, and eating at the Sanctuary. This waterfowl travels to the southern states during the winter months, then migrates back into Southern Michigan typically in March. They are one of the select duck species that has strong claws that can grip branches to perch on trees. The male of this species is famous for its very colorful green and purple head, with signature red eyes. The female is dominantly a brown color, with a strip of blue-green feathers on the back. On your next visit, I hope you have the opportunity to observe one of the happy Wood Ducks waddling around the sanctuary!

Male Mandarin Duck

If you are unable to see one of the Wood Ducks, we have a captive relative of the Wood Duck at the Sanctuary. He is a Mandarin Duck. We call him ‘Manny’ and he shares the same pen with the Black Swan. The Mandarin species is native to Japan and is just as beautiful as the native Wood Ducks roaming around!

By: Olivia Lefere  Summer 2016 Avian Care Intern